Madhya Pradesh, as the name suggests lies right at the centre of the country. A plateau streaked with meandering rivers, surrounded by the mighty Vindhya and Satpura hill ranges and some of the richest tropical forests anywhere. That's Madhya Pradesh.Sunny plains, orange blooms and the colourful, rustic, crinkly haired Bhils and the Gonds with their distinctive beliefs and customs, unchanged over centuries. That's Madhya Pradesh.
A unique harmonious amalgam of ancient and modern. One of the oldest monuments in the history of Indian art - the 2200-year old Buddhist stupa at Sanchi-and the 20th century's contribution of Bhilai, the fast growing steel city. That too is Madhya Pradesh.

Nature has been kind to this land. Where else do you have a plateau straddled by four mighty and meandering rivers (Narmada, Chambal, Betwa Shipra)and surrounded by montain ranges (Vindhya and Satpura).To top it, the largest Indian state also boasts some of the richest tropical forests anywhere.

What does Madhya Pradesh offer its visitor? The famous Sanchi Stupas; murals of the Bagh caves; the world famous Khajuraho temples - breathing the very essence of life; the serene loveliness of the Marble Rocks; the Gwalior fort; the royal legacies of Shivpuri; the prestigious wild game reserve at Kanha; the saga of a love story embossed in stone at Mandu ...and its only a brief list.

History

The history of Madhya Pradesh goes back to the time of Ashoka, the great Mauryan ruler. Major portion of Central India formed part of the Gupta Empire (300-550 AD). In the first half of the seventh century it was part of domains of famous emperor Harsha. The close of tenth century was a period of confusion. In the early eleventh century the Muslims entered central India, First Mahmud of Ghazni & then Mohammad Gori who incorporated certain parts with Sultanate of Delhi. It also formed part of Mughal empire with the rise of Maratha's. Till the death of Madhoji Scindia in 1794, Marathas ruled supreme in Central India, but after that independent & smaller states came into being. The disintegrated smaller states paved way for British suzerainty. Some great women rulers like Rani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore, Gond queen Rani Kamla Devi & Rani Durgawati have carved a nick for them in history.

When India became independent in 1947, the British Indian province of Central Provinces and Berar formed Madhya Pradesh. Boundary changes followed; the state of Chhattisgarh was carved out of Madhya Pradesh.

Society and Culture

Madhya Pradesh has at least four agro-climatic zones, and thus, has the most interesting mix of people and ways of life. It is home to about 40 percent of India's tribal population. There are three distinct tribal groups in the state. The largest chunk is formed by the Gonds, who once ruled a major part of the state and after whom Gondwana, the central portion of the state is known. Western Madhya Pradesh is inhabited by the Bhils, a colourful group of warriors and huntsmen. Eastern Madhya Pradesh is dominated by the Oraons, most of whom have now turned Christians.

Hindi is the most widely spoken language though Marathi is also widespread. Urdu, Oriya, Gujarati and Punjabi are each spoken by sizeable numbers. The Bhils speak Bhili and the Gonds Gondi, the independent in origin of the Indo-European and Dravidian language groups.

The Gonds, Bhils and Banjaras have several vibrant tribal dances like Phag (a sword dance), Lota (dance by women full of water on their heads), and other stilt dances. Textiles are important but Madhya Pradesh also has a strong traditional village handicraft industry. Handloom Chanderi and Maheshwar silks are especially sought after. The tribal population produce attractive handicrafts.

Among the temples known throughout the world for their erotic art are those at Khajuraho in the Chhatarpur district in the north of the state; dating from AD 1000, they were built by the Chandella kings. The temples at Gwalior and in its vicinity should also be mentioned. The palaces and mosque at Mandu (near Dhar), the majestic Bandhogarh fort built in the 14th century, and the Gwalior fort-perhaps the most impressive of the residences of the former princes of Madhya Pradesh-represent other notable architectural achievements.

The state has several well-known annual cultural events, such as Kalidas Samaroh (for performing and fine arts) in Ujjain, Tansen Samaroh (music) in Gwalior, and a dance festival in Khajuraho, where artists from all over India participate. In Bhopal there is a unique multifaceted cultural complex, the Bharat Bhavan, which functions as a meeting ground for artists from various fields. Located along the Bhopal Lake, this sprawling complex houses a &&&&&&&&museum&&&&&&&&, a library, an open-air theatre, and a number of conference halls. The state has important yearly religious melas (gatherings) in Mandasor and Ujjain, as well as the religious Dashhara festival in the Bastar region.

Fascinating monuments: The thousands of fascinating monuments in central India are full of romantic and heroic legends. Each monument speaks eloquently of its tale. The exquisite carvings at Sanchi, the stupendous fort at Gwalior, the superb paintings at Bagh, the remains of an ancient civilization at Bhimbetka make one ponder over the mysterious past. The medieval Afghan capital of Mandu, scarred by sun, wind and battle still stands with its formidable fort and imposing mosque. Marvel at sculptors' expression of love in stone at the glorious Khajuraho temples.

An ancient world: Get into the interiors of central India and you hear the lively beat of the colourful Maria drummers. It's fascinating to watch them with their bison-horn masks and feather crowns swinging to aboriginal martial tunes, just as their forefathers did thousands of years ago. Elsewhere you'll find the ancient pre-Aryan tribes, the Bhils and the Gonds. They still practise their medieval traditions, follow their distinctive customs in their remote retreat.

Handicrafts: Madhya Pradesh is a world of unique handicrafts. The delicately woven Chanderi and Maheshwari saris, Gwalior carpets, Mandasur blankets, hand printed silk and cotton, intricate gold and silver embroidery, leather and bead handbags, dazzling lacquer work, cigarette cases of Jabalpur soapstone... the list is endless.

Places to visit

Gwalior

Gwalior is a city with a dramatic, colourful history that goes back over one millennia. Its legendary beginning stems from a meeting between a warrior called Suraj Sen and a hermit, Gwalipa, who lived on the hilltop where the fort stands. It is said the hermit cured Suraj Sen of an incurable disease, who as a gesture of gratitude founded Gwalior.

Over the centuries, Gwalior became a city of immense importance and was a continual scene of intrigue and clashes with neighbouring powers. It's strategic location was patronised by many mighty rulers, making it the birthplace of many dynasties, each leaving its own indelible mark over the city.

Modern Gwalior is a cauldron of diverse cultures with a distinct princely aura of the days gone by.

In and around

The Fort - Standing on a steep mass of sandstone, Gwalior Fort dominates the city and is its most magnificent monument. It has been the scene of momentous events: imprisonments, battles and jauhars. A steep road winds upwards to the Fort, flanked by statues of the Jain Tirthankaras, caned into the rock face. The magnificent outer walls of the Fort still stand, two miles in length and 35 feet high, bearing witness to its reputation for being one of the most invincible forts of India. This imposing structure inspired the Emperor Babur to describe it as "the pearl amongst the fortresses of Hind".

Gujari Mahal- Within the Fort are some marvels of medieval architecture. The 15th century, Gujari Mahal is a monument to the love of Raja Mansingh Tomar for the intrepid Mrignayani a tribal Gujar Queen. The outer structure of the Gujari Mahal has survived in an almost total state of preservation; the interior has been converted into an Archaeological Museum housing rare antiquities, some of them dating back to the 1st century A.D.

Man Mandir Palace- Built between 1486 and 1517 by Raja Mansingh. Vast chambers with fine stone screens were once the music halls, and behind these screens, the royal ladies would learn music from the great masters of the day. A superbly mounted Son-et-Lumiere here brings it all alive every evening.

Ujjain

Ujjan is situated on the right bank of River Shipra. It is a very holy city for the Hindus, a site for the triennial Kumbh Mela. According to Hindu scriptures, it was originally called Avantika. There is an interesting tale behind the sanctity of the city. It's origin is ascribed to the mythological legend of Sagar Manthan (churning of primordial ocean to discover the pot of nectar). The story goes that after the nectar was discovered, there was a chase between the gods and demons to have the nectar first and thus attain immortality. During this chase a drop of nectar spilled and fell on Ujjain, thus making the city sacred.

Apart from mythological legends, the city has a long and distinguished history. It was governed by the likes of Vikramaditya and Ashoka. Kalidas wrote his soul stirring poetry here.

Today, Ujjain represents an interesting blend of an age old legacy and the modern day lifestyle.

In and around

Mahakaleshwara: This temple of Lord Shiva with its lingam is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. It is also known as the shrine of Mahakaleshwara. The temple has an idol of Omkareshwara Shiva consecrated in the sanctum above the Mahakal Shrine. The temple also has images of Ganesh, Parvati, Kartikeya and Shiva's Bull, Nandi.

Bade Ganeshji ka Mandir: There is a sculpted image of Lord Ganesh, in this temple, close to the tank near Mahakaleshwar.

Chintamani Ganesh: A temple of considerable antiquity and a popular place of pilgrimage, the idol here is believed to be self formed.

Bhartrihari Caves: According to legend, the caves on the banks of the river Shipra near Gadkalika Temple are where the great scholar-poet Bhartrihari lived and meditated.

Observatory: The stars and the skies seemed fascinating in the 17th century too. That would perhaps explain the number of observatories that we have in India. Even this 17th century observatory has a planetarium and a telescope.

Vikram Kirti Mandir: This mandir has the Scindia Oriental Research Institute, an archaeological museum and an art gallery. Actually, a cultural centre, it is dedicated to the memory of King Vikramaditya - the much honoured King of Ujjain.

Gopal Mandir: A sanctum inlaid with marble and silver plated doors constitute the main attraction of this temple.

Navagraha Mandir: The ruling planets have always had an important place in Indian rituals and tradition. This temple is dedicated to the nine ruling planets(Navagraha means nine planets). It is located on the Triveni Ghat of the Shipra river.

Festivals

Mahashivratri: Having one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India, obviously, Mahashivratri is a big event here. Thousands of pilgrims flock to the fair grounds near the famous Mahakaleshwar temple and fast and worship throughout the night.

Simhastha Kumbh Mela: It is a mammoth fair, held once in twelve years at Simhastha. The magnificence and awesome spectacle of the bathing ritual defies description.

Teli Ka Mandir and Sas-Bahu Ka Mandir - The 9th century Teli Ka Mandir, towering a 1000 ft high, is a Pratihara Vishnu temple of a unique blending of architectural styles. Also dedicated to Vishnu is the graceful Sas-Bahu Ka Mandir, built in the 11th century.

Jai Vilas Palace and Museum - A splendour of a different kind exists in the Jai Vilas Palace, current residence of the Scindia family. Some 35 rooms have been made into the Jiwaji Rao Scindia Museum, and in these rooms, so evocative of a regal lifestyle the past comes alive. Jai Vilas is an Italianate structure which combines the Tuscan and Corinthian architectural modes. The imposing Darbar Hall has two central chandeliers weighing a couple of tonnes, and hung only after ten elephants had tested the strength of the roof. Ceilings picked out in gilt, heavy draperies and tapestries, fine persian carpets and antique furniture from France and Italy are features of these spacious rooms.

The Scindia Museum offers an unparalleled glimpse into the rich culture and lifestyle of princely India.

Tansen's Tomb - A pillar of Hindustani classical music, the great Tansen, one of the `nine jewels' of Akbar's court lies buried in Gwalior. The memorial to this great musician has a pristine simplicity about it, and is built in the early Mughal architectural style. More than a monument, the tomb is part of Gwalior's living cultural heritage;

The Tansen Music Festival: Every year in November and December, renowned artists gather at Gwalior to pay tribute to the legend of music - Mian Tansen.

Ghaus Mohammed's Tomb - The Sandstone mausoleum of the Afghan prince Ghaus Mohammed, is also designed on early Mughal lines.

Shivpuri: (112 kms. from Gwalior) This quaint little town used to be the summer capital of the Scindia rulers of Gwalior. A natural choice obviously, with its luxuriant forests and hilly environs. The Madhav National Park is home to a variety of avifauna. There are beautiful carved cenotaphs erected in memory of the Scindia rulers.

Also worth a visit are the Madhav Vilas Palace, George Castle, Bhadaiya Kund and Sakhya Sagar Boat Club.

Datia: (69 kms. from Gwalior). Known in Mahabharata as Daityavakra, Datia is known for its seven-storied palace of Raja Bir Singh Deo. This structure is a unique example of 17th century architecture. And if you happen to be a temple frequenter, do visit the Gopeshwar temple.

Orchha: (120 kms. from Gwalior). Lying on the road to Khajuraho, Orchha is famous for its palaces and temples built in the 17th and 18th centuries. Once the capital of the Bundela Rajputs, later under Mughal rule, some of its palaces contain murals of the Bundela school.

Particularly worth visiting are the Jehangir Mahal, built to commemorate Emperor Jehangir's visit in the 17th century; the Chaturbhuj Mandir and the Laxmi Mandir.

A plateau streaked with meandering rivers, surrounded by the mighty Vindhya and Satpura hill ranges and some of the richest tropical forests anywhere. That's Madhya Pradesh.

Sunny plains, orange blooms and the colourful, rustic, crinkly haired Bhils and the Gonds with their distinctive beliefs and customs, unchanged over centuries. That's Madhya Pradesh.

An unique harmonious amalgam of ancient and modern. One of the oldest monuments in the history of Indian art - the 2200-year old Buddhist stupa at Sanchi-and the 20th century's contribution of Bhilai, the fast growing steel city. That too is Madhya Pradesh.

Khajuraho

The temples of Khajuraho are India's unique gift to the world, representing, as they do, a paean to life, to love, to joy; perfect in execution and sublime in expression. Life, in every form and mood, has been captured in stone, testifying not only to the craftsman's artistry but also to the extraordinary breadth of vision of the Chandela Rajputs under whose rule the temples were conceived and constructed.

The Khajuraho temples were built in the short span of a hundred years, from 950-1050 A.D. in a truly inspired brust of creativity. Of the 85 original temples, 22 have survived till today to constitute one of the world's great artistic wonders. The creators of Khajuraho claimed descent from the moon and the legend behind the founding of this great dynasty and the temples is a fascinating one. Hemwati, the lovely young daughter of a Brahmin priest, was seduced by the moon-god while bathing in a forest pool. The child born of this union was seduced by the moon-god while bathing in a forest pool. The child born of this union was Chandravarman, founder of the Chandela dynasty. Brought up in the forests by his mother who sought refuge from a censorious society.
Chandravarman, when established as a ruler, had a dream-visitation from his mother. It is said that she implored him to build temples that would reveal hu&&&&&&&&man&&&&&&&& passions, and in doing so, bring about a realization of the emptiness of human desire. It is also possible that the Chandelas were followers of the Tantric cult, which believes that gratification of earthly desires is a step towards attaining the infinite liberation of irvana.

Architecturally too, they are unique, being very different from the temple prototype of their period. Each stands on a high masonry platform with a marked upward direction in the structure, further enhanced by vertical projections to create the effect of grace and lightness. Each of the chief compartments is mounted by its own roof, grouped so that the highest is in the centre, the lowest over the portico; a highly imaginative recreation of the rising peaks of the Himalayas abode of the gods.